A majority of the vineyards in Argentina, the world's fifth-largest wine producer, are located at high altitudes, allowing grapes to develop in sunny days and cool nights. Among the favored regions is Mendoza, where Luca Winery produces fine reds and a single white, chardonnay.

The reds largely are grown in the Uco Valley in soils of clay, limestone and sand. Syrah vines flourish at an elevation of 3,500 feet in the district of La Consulta. The resulting wine is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels.

Luca Laborde Double Select Syrah 2010 is deep red, with scents of black fruit, wood and pepper. Round, smooth and intense, the substantial fruit retains hints of black pepper until tannins take over in a lengthy finish. It's a big wine, but controlled. Sip it or pair with a hearty meal.

Price: $25.99.

Where we found it: Whole Foods Market in University Heights.

Pairings: Beef, lamb, sausages, pork and stews.

Each week, Rosenberg highlights a moderately priced wine worth trying. Listed retail prices are based on state of Ohio minimums.

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